The Mateless Dragon King

Into Caelor

18 Years Prior

—-

Gareth’s POV - Flashback

I continued to care for Rowan and Mara now that we were in the refugee camp. There was a sense of stability and routine here that the young ones and I desperately needed.

Everyone over the age of six was expected to help out in some way. Every day, I dropped Rowan and Mara off with the women who watched the children who were too young to work, and then a soldier would take me to the barracks on the border to take care of all the gear.

It seemed the soldier at the camp entry took my comment seriously about me wanting to become a soldier, since this job allowed me to familiarize myself with armor and weapons, and while polishing and sharpening them, I was able to see the training grounds on Caelorian land from a window.

It was fascinating watching the soldiers train. I would sit at the window observing the way they moved with precision and strength. I was in awe watching some of them even train in animal form--shifting mid-spar into wolves, bears, and other predators. I had never seen a shifter before.

Every evening, once I returned to the camp and collected my brother and Mara, I would use a sturdy stick to mimic the fighting stances and movements. I would practice for hours, while Rowan sat and practiced reading some kid's books he borrowed from the healer, Lyra.

While I practiced, I imagined I was a Caelorian solider, strong and capable of protecting Rowan and Mara and others who were in need of protection. I imagined fighting bad guys and being recognized by the king himself. It felt like a long time since I felt comfortable enough to let my imagination go wild.

Rowan didn’t show any interest when I tried to show him fighting stances and how to hold the stick, pretending it was a sword. Mara would sometimes join me, giggling as she tried to copy my moves.

A month passed, us following the same routine every day except for the last day of the week, where we weren’t required to work, and we spent time together, the three of us, as a little family.

I was practicing hitting a makeshift practice dummy I made out of straw, sticks, and twine while Rowan and Mara were napping in our tent, when there was a commotion in the camp. People started pointing to the sky, their faces filled with awe and excitement.

I looked up and saw a massive, majestic dragon soaring through the air, its golden scales glinting like the sun. He had to have been brighter than the sun.

"The Dragon King," someone nearby whispered in awe, and my heart skipped a beat. I had heard so many stories about the Dragon King, but to actually see him was beyond anything I had ever imagined. I never thought any creature could be so big.

The dragon descended, landing gracefully near the border, and in an instant, the massive creature transformed into a very naked, but tall and imposing man with an aura of authority.

—-

A few days later, Rowan, Mara and I, along with a few other families, were summoned to the border, where we were placed in a simple room without windows. There was a wooden table and four chairs and the air felt tense with anticipation.

"We in twouble, Gaweth?” Mara whispered, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her worn green dress.

“I am not sure, Mara. We just need to be patient.” She shifted her body back forward in her chair. Patience was not easy for either of my siblings.

Finally, a stern-looking official entered and took the fourth chair in the room, shuffling documents on the table and opening his ink well.

"State your names and your purpose for seeking entry into Caelor," the official began, his voice steady and commanding.

"I'm Gareth Thorn," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "These are my siblings, Rowan and Mara. We're seeking a new life here, after our village was killed and burned by the raiders.”

“And how was it that you survived?”

I relayed the story of the night our village was attacked, removing the details that haunt my dreams at night, so as to not upset the younger ones. Since we were claiming Mara was our sister, I said she was there, and I also gave her the valerian root potion. She nodded eagerly.

The official nodded as I finished, jotting down notes. "And what skills do you possess, Gareth? How do you intend to contribute to our kingdom?"

Gareth took a deep breath. "I've been working with the soldiers, taking care of their gear and sharpening their weapons. I want to become a soldier myself, to protect those who can't protect themselves. I’ve been practicing every day, getting stronger, and learning as much as I can, so when I am big, I will be strong."

The official raised an eyebrow, seemingly impressed. "And your siblings?"

"Rowan is very bright, he's been learning to read with the help of the healer, Lyra. Our mother was the village herbalist and he often enjoyed assisting her. Mara is still young, but she has a strong spirit. We'll do whatever it takes to make a positive impact here. I will do what it takes to make sure they both get an eduction."

The official looked at them for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. The Dragon King has commanded that more refugees be given entry into our kingdom, and children are given priority. You will be granted immigration documentation to enter Caelor and start your new life."

My eyes opened so wide, I thought they would fall out of their sockets. A wave of relief washed over me as I thanked the official sincerely.

He handed us our documents, and I couldn't help but smile as I took them. He then left, saying a soldier would come collect us once a wagon transport had been arranged to take us to a town called Silverbrook.

"We're going to be okay," I whispered to . "We can build a future together now."